COUNTY MANAGER:

RON HUNT

By the time you read this, hopefully some of this season’s heaviest pollen will be washed away. The cold and snowy winter is gone, and sunshine and spring storms are making their appearance across Wilson County. In this edition of Wilson County NOW you will see the many ways we are helping our citizens while preparing for what's ahead. Great events like the 74th Annual 4-H Livestock Show and Sale continued its amazing history that supports many college scholarships for our youth. With so many new homes and developments, our Chief Inspector Jason Wood, held in-person training regarding upcoming NC code changes. And many of our Human Services Departments (Health, Senior Center and DSS) are busy with activities to keep Wilson County healthy and active.  

Along with that, during the first half of the year, our Board of Commissioners, Department Heads and County Senior Management Team are busy planning for the 2025-2026 Budget Year. This process started back on February 18 with our Preliminary Budget Meeting to give Commissioners a preview of revenues and needs. In April, Commissioners will hear department presentations, followed by my proposed budget presentation on May 5. Commissioners will then begin the process of reviewing and examining the entire budget as we move toward passage of a new fiscal year budget as required by North Carolina General Statute. You can follow all of this online throughout our social media and website. I am extremely proud of our Board of Commissioners, county leadership and dedicated staff each year as we work through this annual process.

With so many good things happening and with the careful planning for our county’s future this time of year, please take a moment and look through our newsletter to see what Wilson County Government’s amazing staff do each and every day to make life better and to enhance our delivery of services. 

If you are new to Wilson County, welcome! We are so happy you are here. If you already call us home, thank you for living and working here and making this the most amazing community.

Ron Hunt

County Manager

DEPUTY COUNTY MANAGER:

LORI WINSTEAD

Wilson County Government partners with the Wilson County Substance Prevention Coalition (WCSPC) to provide recovery services and resources to the citizens of Wilson County. Wilson County Government supports this nonprofit annually while they provide evidence-based addiction treatment through in-patient and/or out-patient services. You can contact WCSPC at 252-991-7267. Learn more about North Carolina's Opioid and Substance Use Action Plan here.

In the video below, Jeff Hill, Executive Director of Wilson County Substance Prevention Coalition, shows you all of the great features of the new ONEbox. As Jeff states, the ONEbox helps ensure that "Wilson County is not a community that is strictly dependent on our first responders, but Wilson County is a community of first responders."

On March 24, the Wilson County Substance Prevention Coalition placed the first Naloxone vending machine at the Wilson County Health Department, followed by four more throughout the county. The main goal of this initiative is to reduce overdose deaths and it is fully-funded by a federal grant and Opioid Settlement dollars. Each box is stocked with free Naloxone, strips to test for the presence of Fentanyl and Xylazine, lock boxes for medication, educational materials and a ONEbox—an interactive, digital resource that provides step-by-step instructions for administering Naloxone, in both English and Spanish.

COMMUNICATIONS:

STEPHEN MANN, DIRECTOR

Wilson County NOW launches into its second year of production. We have a lot going on in Wilson County and much on the horizon. This is just another way to keep you in the loop. In 2025, you'll start to see an increase in informational videos from our various departments.

Tune in each Friday on social media to watch the latest edition of Just A Minute and learn about exciting things that have happened that week, along with upcoming events the following week. You can also view each one on our YouTube channel.

As always, I encourage you to follow and interact with us on social media:

• Facebook- @wilsoncountygov

• Twitter/X- @wilsoncountygov

• LinkedIn- linkedin.com/company/wilson-county-government-nc

• YouTube- @wilsoncountygov

If there are items that you'd like to see covered in future editions of this newsletter, please feel free to reach out to me at smann@wilsoncountync.gov. 

COOPERATIVE EXTENSION:

NORMAN HARRELL, DIRECTOR

The 74th Annual Wilson County 4-H Livestock Show and Sale took place at the Wilson County American Legion Fairgrounds on March 26 and 27. This event marks the culmination of a 4-H youth’s market animal project, which teaches valuable life skills and agricultural practices.

The event featured a variety of activities, including a Pre-Show and Sale Banquet, a regional youth livestock judging contest, a beginner swine show and an Adult Livestock Judging Contest. A highlight was the Celebrity Showcase livestock show, where Mr. Rob Boyette, Chair of the Wilson County Commissioners, emerged as the winner. The crowd-favorite pig costume contest added a fun and entertaining touch. On Thursday, all youth exhibitors presented their livestock projects, followed by an awards ceremony and auction in the evening.

Cooperative Extension employees, the Wilson County Livestock Association and dedicated volunteers contributed countless hours to bring together citizens and businesses in support of this youth event. Thanks to the generous support of the community and local businesses, the 2025 live sale of animals generated over $360,000, with 102 4-H members participating. The funds raised by these young exhibitors will support their future education and next year’s livestock projects. Additionally, more than $10,000 in educational scholarships were awarded to senior-aged 4-H members involved in livestock, funded through endowments established by generous individuals and groups in Wilson County. The 2025 Wilson County 4-H Livestock Show and Sale once again demonstrated the community’s strong support for its young people.

DEVELOPMENT SERVICES:

BRAD THOMPSON, DIRECTOR

In March, our Inspections Department held four meetings to discuss upcoming code changes in order to assist local builders and answer any questions they had. Each meeting focused on a particular trade–plumbing, electrical, building and mechanical–and applied to code changes for both commercial and residential builders. These changes will become effective July 1, 2025. In total, over 60 people attended the four meetings and this open dialogue was key to how the county and contractors can work together to complete quality inspections and ensure code compliance. If you have questions, contact us at inspections@wilsoncountync.gov or 252-399-2965, option 2.

9-1-1 EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS:

JEFF WILLIFORD, DIRECTOR

Our Emergency Communications Department kicked off the year strong as we continue to help our citizens. In March, our Telecommunicators answered 13,090 telephone calls. Of these calls, 99.93% were answered within 15 seconds.

They also processed 14,585 calls for service broken down as follows: 

• 756 fire calls

• 1,521 EMS calls

• 12,308 Law Enforcement calls.

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT:

GORDON DENO, DIRECTOR

We started out the year with the failure of a private dam on the east side of the county. That failure caused a short-lived flooding event that impacted I-587, east of NC-58. Four vehicles were washed off the roadway resulting in some damage, but there were no injuries. In any type of emergency incident, we work closely with our emergency response agencies and various state or federal agencies, depending on the incident. This incident involved our 911 Center, East Nash Volunteer Fire Department, the NC Highway Patrol, NC Department of Transportation, NC Emergency Management, and the NC Office of Dam Safety. We also alerted the County Manager and the Communications Director.

We had two winter storms that caused icy roads, and we experienced severe thunderstorms that brought heavy winds that resulted in some downed trees and minor localized flooding. During any severe weather events, we work closely with the National Weather Service, NC Emergency Management and our community partners. 



It’s annual budget season. We have submitted the Emergency Management budget, and we are coordinating with the fifteen volunteer fire departments to receive and submit their annual budget requests as well. While we do not prepare the VFD budgets, we do provide them with information regarding revenue from rural fire tax and NC sales tax estimates. The volunteer fire departments are not funded from the County General Fund. Each rural fire district is levied a “rural fire tax” authorized by NCGS 69. Each volunteer fire department is a private nonprofit corporation, contracted by the County to provide fire protection in each individual fire district. The Board of Directors for each fire department recommend an annual budget and provide justification for those budgets for fire department operations in their respective fire district. Our office collects that information each year and forwards it to the County Finance Office to be included in the annual Wilson County Budget.

As we have already seen this year, severe weather and unique situations can cause issues for our citizens at any time. Business and personal preparedness is an individual responsibility. Be Prepared…the First 72 are on YOU! 

EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES:

MICHAEL COBB, DIRECTOR

On March 14, Kalif Ward, Assistant Director of Wilson County Emergency Medical Services, graduated from UNC Charlotte's EMS Management Institute. Over the past several months, he spent time honing his leadership skills, strengthening his communication abilities, and preparing to take on greater responsibilities in emergency services.

On March 27, Amy Bottoms, Advanced EMT, was one of five first responders to receive a Badge of Honor award at the Wilson Chamber of Commerce's inaugural First Responders Appreciation Breakfast. This award recognizes first responders for going above and beyond the call of duty.

Paramedic Supervisors at Wilson County EMS oversee and coordinate EMS operations on a day-to-day basis. These paramedics oversee activities of staff who respond to almost 50 emergency calls per day, ensuring they have adequate, functional equipment and other resources, as needed. After one of our Paramedic Supervisors retired with 27 years serving Wilson County, Michael Thorne has been named our next Paramedic Supervisor, effective April 1. Michael has worked for Wilson County EMS for 12 years, filling roles of Paramedic, Field Training Officer, and, most recently, Assistant Paramedic Supervisor. He lives in the western portion of Wilson County with his wife and daughter. Congratulations, Michael!

HEALTH DEPARTMENT:

CINNAMON NARRON, DIRECTOR

WIC: Supporting Healthy Families in Wilson, NC

By: Tomi Meachum, WIC Nutrition Program Director/Breastfeeding Coordinator

The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program has been supporting low-to-mid-income families for over 50 years by providing nutrition assistance, healthcare referrals and breastfeeding support.

WIC provides free benefits of healthy foods, such as fruits, vegetables, eggs, whole grains and dairy including yogurt and cheese. This, along with nutrition education, helps families make informed decisions about healthy eating, cooking, activity and managing food budgets. Benefits are loaded to an eWIC card for easy use at stores that participate in North Carolina.

Eligibility is based on income and nutritional risks. If applicants receive Medicaid, SNAP (food stamps) or TANF benefits, they will automatically qualify for income. Participants receive a health assessment by a nutritionist to check for healthy weight, adequate iron levels and other medical conditions. Nutrition plans are made to address issues with regular follow-ups and health referrals as needed. WIC participants have better health outcomes, including healthier weights, higher immunization rates and reduced pregnancy complications.

Breastfeeding is a key component of the WIC program, offering many health benefits for both mothers and infants. Supporting breastfeeding goals through peer counseling and prenatal education is essential to the WIC program's effectiveness in reducing childhood obesity and preventing chronic health issues later in life.

There is a network of support at the Wilson County Health Department, including social workers, dental care, prenatal care, primary care and a registered dietician nutritionist. Also, referrals to community-based organizations, such as Dress for Success, Head Start, the Wesley Shelter and Wilson County Public Library programs contribute to overall well-being. These services help ensure that families not only have access to the foods they need, but also receive the emotional and social support that can make a real difference in their lives. 

For more information on eligibility, call 252-291-3144 or visit the Wilson County WIC website.

SENIOR CENTER:

DR. KESHA HOWELL, DIRECTOR

Opening Day for Senior Games 2025 begins on April 8 at North Carolina Wesleyan University! Please ask a staff member for more information regarding registration, activities, and games.

Our annual “Age My Way” event will be held on Friday, May 9 at Gillette Park from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. The theme this year is "Flip The Script on Aging" so we've decided to have games (bingo, cornhole, putt-putt golf, card games, table tennis and a pool tournament set up inside) and outside there will be vendors, music, food, ice cream and a few surprise giveaways! This is a free event for those age 55 and older. Our “Night of Elegance” will be held on Saturday, May 10 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Wilson County Ag. Center. There will be a free dinner, music, pictures and door prizes. Registration is required. Call the center at 252-206-4059 to sign up. You can keep up with the latest events and offerings at the Senior Center with our monthly newsletter on our website.

SOCIAL SERVICES:

KIMBERLY IRVINE, DIRECTOR

Wilson County DSS hosted the Quality Assurance Network of Counties in-person meeting on March 11. The network brings together staff from social services departments across North Carolina, focusing on quality assurance work. It offers members the opportunity to learn from one another, share insights, and improve the Quality Assurance process. Staff from 28 counties attended, and today, the network has grown to include over 350 staff members from 55 counties.

Wilson County DSS is currently in the third year of a four-year federal grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). Funded through the Rural Communities Opioid Response Program (RCORP), the grant addresses the needs created by the opioid crisis while integrating a behavioral health focus to support families, communities, and individuals with substance use disorder (SUD).

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month across the country. Each year in Wilson County, we work with community partners to plant pinwheels at their agency. The blue and silver pinwheels symbolize our collective desire for all children to have happy, healthy childhoods.

To report suspected child abuse, call the Wilson County Department of Social Services at 252-206-4000 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. You should call 9-1-1 if it's after business hours, on the weekend or holidays. Child abuse and neglect reports should not be emailed or sent through our website. All information that is reported is confidential and you can report anonymously. 

SOIL & WATER:

JOSH PATE, DIRECTOR

On Wednesday, February 26, the Wilson County Soil & Water Conservation District held our 35^th annual awards banquet, hosting the winners of the annual poster, essay, slide presentation and public speaking contest. Twenty-nine students in grades 3-9 were honored with a catered dinner, awards and gift cards at the Wilson County Agricultural Center. This year’s theme was "Wetlands Are Wonderful."

Attendees included all 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd place winners, along with their families. Students from Community Christian School, Rock Ridge Elementary, New Hope Elementary, Elm City Middle, Greenfield School, Frederick Douglass Elementary, Springfield Middle School, Hunt High School, Fike High School and Wilson Early College Academy were in attendance.

TAX ADMINISTRATION:

CRAWFORD BOLTON, TAX ADMINISTRATOR

During the first quarter of the year, our office is focused on the listing period, delinquent tax period and working through our informal review process for real estate. During the regular listing period, January 2-31, our office mails around 10,000 annual listing forms to all personal property owners in Wilson County. During the first month, the majority of these listing forms are returned to our office and our staff begins assessing all personal property in Wilson County. The listing period also opens the time to receive exemption or property tax relief applications for the 2025 tax year. For the annual delinquent tax period, which began January 7, 2025, our collection staff are busy notifying all property owners about their outstanding 2024 tax year property taxes. During this period, we encourage individuals to reach out to our office to allow us to work together to ensure that all taxes are paid to avoid additional interest. Over the next week, our office will be mailing out the final delinquent tax notices prior to the annual tax advertisement period. Finally, during the first quarter, our real estate staff are busy working with any real estate owner who has requested a review for their 2025 annual assessment. This annual review process allows our staff to work directly with the public prior to the opening of our Board of Equalization in April. 

Important Upcoming Dates: 

• April 15, 2025 – Last day to pay 2024 property taxes prior to our annual advertisement of delinquent taxes in the local newspaper. 

• April 15, 2025 – Last day of the extended listing period. All tax year 2025 personal property listing forms are due. 

• April 16, 2025 – The Board of Equalization and Review convenes for 2025. 

• May 14, 2025 – The Board of Equalization and Review adjourns for 2025. Last day to submit real estate appeals for 2025.

• June 1, 2025 – Last day to apply for Property Tax Relief for the 2025 tax year. All applications must be submitted by this date.